Latex Allergy

SnowymtnRN · Nov 5, 2005

I may be allergic to latex! I have tried non-latex powder free gloves and it's not working. I had a full blood work up at the allergist yesterday. I have also been put on solumedrol pack, allegra, zyrtec, zantac, and doxipin. I also got 8mg decadron injection at the office yesterday. Do any of you have a latex allergy and if so how do u deal with it.
Thank you,
Tia
ER-RN

2 words for you. NITRILE GLOVES. They are my SAVIOUR. I prefer the Kimberly Clark ones, but will take the med tech ones. I'm allergic to latex and vinyl. These are special ordered by my boss and work WONDERS. I really love the purple ones, but the blue ones work well too. They just fit a little looser than the purple ones. Give them a try, i hope it works for yoU!!!

ClaireMacl · Nov 6, 2005

Yup, it took 5 years in nursing before I developed mine... I thought I was going mad for a while, oddly itchy, red hands that got better on days off, I didn't make the link, lol.

I eventually figured out what was going on and went to occupational health, they agreed with me and a letter was sent to my ED telling them if they did not supply latex free gloves, I was entitled to leave work with pay, lol... needless to say, my pretty purple latex free gloves are all over the department now :)

It's not that difficult to get used to... oh and don't forget that if you have a sensitivity to latex, it can quickly escalate into a full blown allergy... and that includes condoms, wouldn't like to have any embarrasing visits to your own department

Aneroo, LPN · Nov 6, 2005

We're latex free. If an unresponsive patient comes in- how do we know they're not allergic to latex (unless we wear it and they have a reaction). I miss my latex gloves.

student4ever · Nov 6, 2005

2 words for you. NITRILE GLOVES. They are my SAVIOUR. I prefer the Kimberly Clark ones, but will take the med tech ones. I'm allergic to latex and vinyl. These are special ordered by my boss and work WONDERS. I really love the purple ones, but the blue ones work well too. They just fit a little looser than the purple ones. Give them a try, i hope it works for yoU!!!

Wish our department would invest in those - all the squads use them d/t possibility for latex allergies in patients - yet we're all condemned to the horrible vinyl gloves that don't stretch and always fall off at inopportune times. At least the purple ones stretch!

orange-rn · Nov 6, 2005

Thank you for the replies. I'm pretty miserable. I have swollen fingers that have split open in several spots, swollen lip that swells and my eyes are swollen and itch like crazy! The solumedrol has me pretty hazy feeling, can't seem to concentrate. I have to work the next 2 nights also. I definitely don't want to impact everyone else just because I have a latex allergy. I'm pretty sure where I work others won't be impacted. If this is an actual latex allergy I have already been told that I might have to change work places or jobs! I will let you all know when I find out!

Tia

ClaireMacl · Nov 7, 2005

Hi,

That does sound like a bad allergy, but usually latex allergies are localised to the hands (or area of prolonged exposure), not giving the horrid eye symptoms etc that you are having (unless you rubbed your eye with your gloved hand ). How long is it since you've worked, my symptoms usually relieved 12/24 hours after exposure before I was diagnosed and stopped using it.

As for changing jobs, complete nonsense!!! I work with someone who has anaphylaxis on exposure to latex, she's a senior nurse and has worked fine with her allergy, just keep the gloves with you and where's the problem!!! Sounds like bad advice there, surely that wasn't from occupational health?!?

Thank you for the replies. I'm pretty miserable. I have swollen fingers that have split open in several spots, swollen lip that swells and my eyes are swollen and itch like crazy! The solumedrol has me pretty hazy feeling, can't seem to concentrate. I have to work the next 2 nights also. I definitely don't want to impact everyone else just because I have a latex allergy. I'm pretty sure where I work others won't be impacted. If this is an actual latex allergy I have already been told that I might have to change work places or jobs! I will let you all know when I find out!
Tia

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Nov 7, 2005

I am allergic to latex as well. My school uses the Kimberly Clark (lab) and I really like them.

Good luck to you :)

Dragonnurse1, ASN, RN · Sep 30, 2007

orange rn

go to LAForum in the groups section of Yahoo get your answers there.

jp2096 · Jan 11, 2009

I know this post was a few years ago, but my unit made the switch from nitrile to "powder free hypoallergenic vinyl" and when I used an ice pack made from these vinyl gloves (you know us nurses), and put it on my face, i broke out like crazy. The rashes look like healed burn scars and itch like crazy and benadryl won't help. I can not find any information on the internet about vinyl allergies. Have you found any evidence?

TraumaNurseRN · Jan 11, 2009

I know this post was a few years ago, but my unit made the switch from nitrile to "powder free hypoallergenic vinyl" and when I used an ice pack made from these vinyl gloves (you know us nurses), and put it on my face, i broke out like crazy. The rashes look like healed burn scars and itch like crazy and benadryl won't help. I can not find any information on the internet about vinyl allergies. Have you found any evidence?

was there any other barrier used besides the glove?

TraumaNurseRN · Jan 11, 2009

I know this post was a few years ago, but my unit made the switch from nitrile to "powder free hypoallergenic vinyl" and when I used an ice pack made from these vinyl gloves (you know us nurses), and put it on my face, i broke out like crazy. The rashes look like healed burn scars and itch like crazy and benadryl won't help. I can not find any information on the internet about vinyl allergies. Have you found any evidence?

According to my husband who sold nitriles, among other gloves (Safeskin) before they were bought out by KimberlyClark. There is not only latex allergies to gloves but the powder and proteins in the gloves can cause reaction. I am not trying to tell you what to do.....but a barrier over and above a glove and ice should have been used.....sorry to hear of your problem.